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Bright, cheery dresses and sparkling shoes are hopping onto the shelves of little girls' clothing stores this spring, just in time for Easter.

"The days of pastel pinks and pastel yellows are diminishing, and girls like the brighter colors," says Stacy Rueckhaus, co-owner of Duck Duck Goose children's boutique in Troy and Oakwood. "Now it's all about the bling — lots of sequins, lots of sparkles."

Rueckhaus also says asymmetrical hemlines, layers and ruffles are popular themes this season. Matching sibling outfits continue to be a well-liked tradition.

Florence Rolando, organizer of the Bubble Kids Trade Show in New York City, says floral and vintage fabrics are among the many new trends for girls. Rolando and Rueckhaus say these stem from designers' aims to make children's clothing look more like grown-up clothing.

"It's hard to talk about one trend, though," Rolando says. "There are so many, even with kids."

But the biggest change this spring seems to be in practicality — the days of parents forcing little girls into itchy crinoline dresses are quickly disappearing. For little boys, suits and ties are transforming into khakis and sweater vests.

"People want something that's washable ... something that's versatile, something that can be worn to a couple of different venues," Rueckhaus says. "They're concerned with how comfortable their kids are going to be."

Rueckhaus opened the Troy location of Duck Duck Goose in 2005 with her sister, Julie Steenrod. They also have a smaller store in Oakwood. The boutique carries American and European designer clothing lines for preemies up to size seven in boys' clothing and size 10 in girls' clothing.

»Photos: Spring 2008 Easter Fashions

Contact this reporter at astevens@coxohio.com.

What will your kids be wearing this Easter?